Sven-goran Eriksson admits there is great temptation to start with Wayne Rooney against Sweden.

Eriksson was delighted to get Rooney back on the pitch against Trinidad and Tobago.

Victory against the Caribbean minnows put England into the last 16 of the World Cup and they must avoid defeat against the Swedes to top Group B.

Eriksson said: 'Of course it is tempting to let him start. It is important he played. It is important we don't risk anything.'

Eriksson has been vindicated in his stance on Rooney after the England manager claimed from the start the Manchester United striker would be fit enough to play a major role in the tournament.

Rooney returned to action on Thursday, six weeks and five days after breaking the fourth metatarsal bone in his right foot, and it was revealed yesterday that the injury was never as bad as a typical metatarsal break.

Independent medical experts Angus Wallace and Chris Moran released a statement to say the fracture was in a part of the bone which heals much quicker.

The two professors, from Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, contradicted Manchester United's original statement that Rooney would not be ready until at least the knockout stage of the tournament.

Eriksson said: 'I am stubborn. I was convinced he could take part in this game and he did, so I am very happy.

'We were convinced we were right. After a lot of discussions in which I was involved and above my head they (the medical experts) decided to come and I was extremely thankful.

'Thank you to Manchester United. They knew everything. Here we are with Rooney on the pitch. Perfect.

'It's good for the team and it's good for the England fans.

'He's a young man. I think he will be making progress day by day. It will be very quick.'

Rooney made his World Cup debut along with Aaron Lennon in the 58th minute of the game against the Soca Warriors, the pair coming on for Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher and helping England score two late goals to win 2-0.

Eriksson has been criticised for making poor substitutions in the past but the double move paid off handsomely this time.

Lennon had a major impact on the game from the right wing, with David Beckham dropping into a right-back position for the last half-hour.

Eriksson said: 'Lennon is knocking very hard on the door. He came on and beat people and opened up the door.

'Beckham did very well as a right-back. He put crosses flying in.'

England have struggled to score goals but the manager has taken encouragement from their solidity at the back.

Eriksson said: 'What we do is we defend well. We don't concede.'

Depending on the result against Sweden, England will play either Germany or Ecuador in the first knock-out round.

They claim not to care, but privately Eriksson and his team would prefer to avoid the hosts.

Eriksson said: 'I would like finally to beat Sweden and win the group and what comes, comes.'